What Everyone Can Do

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Help prevent child abuse and neglect in your community. Try the following ideas as starting points for planning activities to help raise awareness and protect children.

Participate in Pinwheels for Prevention
Each April, communities throughout the state display colorful children’s pinwheels in front of courthouses, playgrounds, libraries and parks. Additionally, education and media campaigns will complement these displays and raise awareness of child abuse and neglect.

Hold a Blue Ribbon Campaign
A Virginia grandmother, Bonnie W. Finney, tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van. When asked about it, she told people the tragic story of the abuse of her grandchildren, and the resulting death of her grandson. Since then, millions of people across the country have participated in Blue Ribbon campaigns by wearing the ribbons, or tying ribbons around courthouse steps or a prominent tree for each child reported abused and or neglected within your county gets citizens involved in Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM) activities and reminds people they can help prevent child abuse in their communities. Order your blue ribbon now using the form at the end of this packet.

Involve Local Faith Communities
Invite the faith community and general public to learn about and help prevent child abuse and family violence.

Volunteer at an Organization Providing Family Support Services
Call Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky to learn about organizations providing family support services, 1-800-CHILDREN.

Engage Local Legislators
Write, call or email your local legislators to ensure they are aware that
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Involve the Media
Submit a press release or feature story to your local newspaper or TV/ radio station.

Secure a Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation by your Mayor or City Council.

Host Storybook Night at Your Local Library
Partner with your local library and volunteer to read to children.

Distribute Educational Resources for Parents
PCAK maintains a library, complete with videos, books, curriculums and brochures are maintained to provide parents and caregivers vital information designed to strengthen families. PCAK recognizes that the best way to promote prevention is to provide parents with the skills and resources they need to understand and meet their children’s needs.